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Each month in this newsletter I share organizing tips to use in your
home. Try some projects alone or ask for help from our friendly
professional staff.
We have great ideas for improving the use of all sizes of spaces.
Cheers!
Pierrette Ashcroft |
CLOSET MAKEOVER
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Organizing Your Bathroom Closet
 There
are usually a lot of small items stored in bathroom closets, so the
piles can make it difficult to find something quickly.
Are
you the type who often can't find something, so you buy another? A
well-organized closet will make it easy to see what you have on hand
and when you need to go shopping.
To start organizing,
take everything out of the closet and sort into categories: soap, nail
care, first aid supplies, hair care, moisturizers, oral care, cosmetics.
Discard items that you no longer use, will likely never use and expired items.
Before you return items to the closet,
place like items into containers. Stacking versions take advantage of
shelf height. If you need more right-size containers, measure
your shelf space, note which categories take up large or small spaces,
then go shopping.
Add end labels to containers,
so you know what's inside and where to place new purchases. It will be
easy to see how much you have so you won't be tempted to overbuy.
Keep items that you use the most on the shelves easiest to reach, with little-used items on the highest and lowest shelves.
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ASK PIERRETTE:
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Creating Helpful Exit Checklists
Question:
I am always leaving home forgetting to bring the things I need. Is there an easy way to help me remember?
 Pierrette:
You
need an exit checklist. Actually several lists for various needs. You
can have an everyday checklist: cell phone, wallet, keys, glasses,
sunglasses, etc. Or simply always keep all these items together in a
purse or on a counter or other spot at home.
Maybe another
list specifically for work, one for the gym, one for the kids' plans
after school, for all gear and refreshments needed for soccer games. Or
keep all these items in a bag that is just the right size and a
distinct color so you never grab the wrong bag. Don't want your soccer
daughter accidentally taking your yoga bag to her soccer practice!
Laminate
copies of each list so they can be checked off and reused, writing with
dry-erase markers. You can keep them in your home message center.
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MESSAGE CENTER
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Every Home Needs An Effective One
 Create one central location for all family communications. It avoids miscommunications and lost messages.
Select the components that will help you. Ideally locate them where everyone will see them as they come or go.
You
could use a large paper wall calendar
to add family members' meeting
dates, sports' games, doctor/dentist appointments, etc. Then everyone
knows where to look to plan the next week, including any needed
carpooling when Mom or Dad isn't available for shuttle duty for a
child. Each family member could use a different color to mark their
appointments.Or a dry-erase board may be what you need, making notes
about activities for the next week. It is also a great place to list
items you need to buy on your next shopping trip. Or to leave a quick
note to another.
A bulletin or magnet board can be a catch-all for handwritten notes and printed notices (soccer games schedule, school holidays...).
Near the main board,
keep a printed list or address/phone book with important phone numbers
for the whole family, including family friends, school contacts,
medical personnel, work numbers for all, favorite carry-out
numbers.
It can also be the location where everyone hangs their keys and charges their cell phones. And possibly have cubbies or folders to hold mail for each family member. |
ECO-CLEANING
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Home Products Without Harmful Chemicals
 Conventional
all-purpose cleaners contribute to indoor air pollution and can
irritate eyes and lungs. There is well-documented damage to our streams
and rivers from detergents and cleaning products that go down our
drains.
Environmental groups and products companies are
paying attention and promoting new, safer products for lawns,
dishwashers and clothes washers.
In choosing alternatives,
be wary of green-sounding phrases such as "natural," "organic,"
"non-toxic," "biodegradable" "eco-safe," and "environmentally
friendly". You have to study the labels. They are not required to list
all ingredients so this can be difficult. Avoid words like hazardous,
dangerous, harmful if swallowed...
You can clean with a few safe, simple ingredients
such as plain soap, water, baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and
borax. They can satisfy most household cleaning needs and save you
money.
White vinegar
helps kill bacteria, mold, and viruses so use it in your bathroom and
kitchen. It kills grease so you can't beat a spray bottle filled with
water, one-quarter cup of white vinegar, one tablespoon of lemon juice.
Great for cleaning windows streak-free, and many stovetops.
For cleaning tubs and countertops, mix a paste of baking soda and water.
Use laundry soaps labeled "fragrance-free."
Polish furniture with a mixture of one teaspoon olive oil and one-half cup white vinegar.
Test any of these products in an inconspicuous area to make sure they are suitable for your home.
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Gift Certificates
Available
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Are
you trying to shop for that hard-to-find recipient? Or do you need a
gift for a new mom, a housewarming gift or have anyone on your list who
could use an extra set of hands? What would be more appreciated than a
gift certificate for help from a professional organizer? You decide the
dollar amount and the recipient can decide the services that they want.
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A gift for others... peace of mind
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Pierrette Ashcroft, founder of getOrganizedDC, has more than 20 years
of business experience organizing events and providing innovative
solutions in homes and offices. In 2007 she was in the first group to
receive credentials as a Certified Professional Organizer, CPOÆ,
earning her a top distinction in the organizing industry. She continues
her education and training and in 2009 became a Certified Relocation
and Transition Specialist (CRTS™). As a senior move manager she takes
the worry and work out of the moving process by helping seniors and their
families with their needs for a seamless and successful transition.
In
2009 she also completed training to become a certified home stager. She
can help you prepare your home for sale and use her design skills to
create a beautifully organized new home.
To learn more, call or write for a free telephone consultation at: 202-537-9705 or pierrette@getorganizeddc.com. Or visit our Web site.
The
hardest part of organizing is developing an attractive plan. We are
happy to help you with challenges large or small. Expect efficient and
reliable service from our staff, who promise to keep your personal
information confidential. Read what our clients are saying about us.
Enjoy your organizing projects! |
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